The town of Nobleboro may purchase a fire truck to replace Engine 1, a 1979 Ford Middlesex fire truck, after Nobleboro Fire Chief Ryan Gallagher presented the Board of Selectmen with the specifications for a 1995 4 Guys Fire Truck at their Nov. 20 meeting.
Gallagher said the town of Warwick, N.Y. is asking $89,000 for the truck. He said the all-wheel-drive truck has a stainless steel body and would pump 1750 gallons of water per minute, compared to the older vehicle’s 750 gallons per minute.
Gallagher said the truck is on the market because Warwick has a policy of replacing its vehicles after 15 years of service.
The truck was built to order for Warwick by 4 Guys Fire Trucks.
Gallagher said the purchase would have to be approved by voters and would be paid for though a loan arranged by the town.
He said a new tanker truck purchased last year, was funded through a federal grant program created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 World Trade Center attack.
Gallagher said that program is undergoing changes and is likely to be administered by the counties through a block grant program in the future. He said he has applied under the current rules for funding for a new fire truck.
“I haven’t heard back from it,” Gallagher said. “We probably won’t hear until next year.”
He said the grant, if approved, would probably be enough to pay the 4 Guys truck off, but that it could also be used to replace Engine 2. He has been considering replacing that engine for the last two years, he said.
The board authorized Gallagher to make further inquiries and report back.
Chairman Dick Spear asked him to find out if the sale could be delayed until voters review the purchase at the March annual town meeting. The date for that meeting is yet to be announced.
Gallagher said the fire company fundraising in 2012 has paid for two automated external defibrillators that are carried in first responders’ vehicles and 14 upgraded portable radios that the Minnehata Fire Co. donated to the town.
Approximately $1400 garnered from a kayak raffle will be used to purchase a new commercial-grade washing machine for the company’s turnout gear, he said. Gallagher said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires firefighters’ protective clothing to be washed after each fire and at least once a year.
The company also purchased a new gas detection meter to replace one bought in 2007. Gallagher said the manufacturer no longer makes parts for that unit and that the cost to keep it calibrated is close to that of the new meter. Currently, Nobleboro borrows gas detection meters from Waldoboro and Newcastle.
The board approved the creation of a committee to create a draft fireworks ordinance for voters to approve at the upcoming town meeting.
The committee will comprise the three selectmen, the fire chief, code enforcement officer and Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett. Selectmen have begun a review of other towns’ ordinances and plan to hold at least one community meeting to gather further input on the matter as the process goes forward.
Nobleboro voters approved the creation of an ordinance to regulate the use of consumer fireworks during the Nov. 6 general election, by a vote of 601-501.
Selectmen also discussed possible changes in the liability insurance for the town’s fire equipment. Currently the town insures through Maine Municipal Association and the fire department has a separate policy to cover liability and personal injury for their trucks. Gallagher said he would return to the board with a proposal.
The next meeting of the Nobleboro Board of Selectmen is scheduled for Wed., Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m. For more information call the Nobleboro Town Office at 563-8816.
